Learn, love, grow
Good morning from the table. It’s our mid-week check-in. How are you doing?
Not the quick answer. The real answer.
Life moves fast. The laundry piles up, the calendar fills, and before we know it, another month has slipped by.
That’s why I love a mid-week pause.
It’s a chance to look up. To remember that even ordinary days can become meaningful when we live them on purpose.
Yesterday I shared the first 21 things I’ve learned in 41 years. Today, here’s the second half.
So pull up a chair. Take a deep breath. And let’s spend a few minutes together before the day gets away from us.
Sunshine, laughter, soaked clothes, and the kind of memories summer is made of
TABLE WISDOM
“Other things may change us, but we start and end with the family.”
— Anthony Brandt
150 Thought of the Day Quotes to Inspire Kids to Dream Big, Be Kind, & Face Each Day With Confidence
These quotes share what thousands of years of human wisdom say to your kids in one sentence a day.
Over 10,000 readers used these to brighten a child’s day last year.
Charades Sparks Imagination And The Kind of Laughter That Fills The Whole House
Lesson 19 (from yesterday): Laughter is the best medicine. Charades is one of the fastest ways to fill a house with it.
CHALLENGE OF THE WEEK
Have a Family Night this week to soak up summer.
AFFIRMATION OF THE WEEK
I make time to slow down and connect.
RESERVED FOR THE TABLE
Today’s table gift is perfect when you’re stuck inside on a hot day.
Picture this: “We’re bored!” echoes through the house. You smile, pull out a jar of LEGO challenge cards, and suddenly the living room turns into a world of imagination.
Here’s your jar. No actual jar required. Just print and start:
SITTING WITH THIS
Yesterday, I shared that I just celebrated a birthday, along with the first 21 things I’ve learned at 41 years old.
Here are the remaining:
22. Trust yourself. There will be many moments when someone makes you doubt. Be strong in who you are.
23. Permit yourself to rest. To take a nap. Take a bath. Take a walk. There is a time for work. And a time to be.
24. You are the captain of your ship. You have the power to create a life you love. But no one else will do it for you.
25. Read books. They’ll turn you into a leader and thinker (for less money) faster than just about anything else.
26. Invest as often as you can. And not just your money. Also in yourself. Your health. Your skills. This is true growth. Avoid spending on clutter. But invest like crazy.
27. Make your relationships deeper. You don’t need 1,000 so-so friends. You need 3 friends you can talk to when life smacks you in the face.
28. Keep your promises. It represents who you are as a person.
29. Go all in. When you find something you love, quit dabbling and become the best you can be at it.
30. Don’t be afraid to change your mind. In careers. In relationships. Not everything has to be forever. Follow your joy – you only get one life.
31. Seek beauty. In art, music, nature. The more you do, the happier you’ll be.
32. Call your mother. Even just to say hello. She’s always going to have your back.
33. Travel. See how others live. Try new foods. Open yourself to the world. You will be a better person because of it.
34. Do something every day that scares you a little. Don’t let yourself stay in the box.
35. Choose kindness whenever possible. And it’s always possible.
36. Forgiving is not forgetting. Forgiving frees you from ruminating about it all the time. It doesn’t mean you have to forget that it happened. Or that it’s bad to change course.
37. Growing old is a privilege. All the time and money people spend to look younger could be used to deepen relationships, build skills, and find real happiness.
38. Life is not always meant to be rosy. It’s often gritty. Sometimes it’s a slog. Occasionally it sucks. That doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong.
39. Admit when you’re wrong. Your pride can take it.
40. When the grass looks greener somewhere else, you’re either seeing it through rose-colored glasses, or you need to make a change in your life.
41. Remember that everyone is just doing their best with what they know. Including you.
And finally, be a bearer of light. Make this place we call home a little brighter because you were here.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Now, what about you? What have you learned from your time on this earth?
Hit reply and tell me. These are the answers I love reading most.
MORE FROM THE TABLE
2 Days Left to get the July Family Night Club Set!
This month included fun cootie catchers, Summer Friendly Feud, Summer 5 Second Rule Game, and more.
What’s the Family Night Connection Club? It’s a 12-month membership. We send you the best seasonal printables, movie ideas, simple recipes, and more every month.
For a fraction of buying separately in the shop. 48 Family Nights done for you over a year.
If you order today or tomorrow, you can still snag this month’s set before August arrives!
Get the July Set Before It’s Gone →
WHAT’S TODAY?
Happy National Chicken Wing Day!
Today is the perfect excuse to grab some wings, try a new flavor, and enjoy a delicious meal together. Don’t forget the napkins!
TABLE TALK
I can’t wait for warm summer nights outside on the patio.
*326 mosquitos liked your post*
Be a bearer of light. That’s enough.
Thank you for pulling up a chair and gathering with us. I hope you enjoyed today’s edition. If you have anything at all you’d like to share, ask, or say, just hit reply. I’d love to hear from you.
I appreciate you!
See you tomorrow at the table,
Jenn Kropf
Founder of Healthy Happy Impactful